Sample cover letter for Internship position at AFFORD

My name is Linda and I am writing to apply for the Development Officer position at One to One Children’s Fund, as advertised on the website. I have chosen to apply for this position as I am passionate about international development and I am strongly interested in and committed to children’s rights, particularly projects and programmes which seek to improve the health and wellbeing of children, adolescents and parents in vulnerable communities in low & middle-income countries. I am also interested in the strategic approach adopted by One to One Children’s Fund which works in partnership with key organisations to rebuild the lives of these vulnerable children. Therefore, I am keen to work at a tight-knit organisation such as One to One Children’s Fund, which is committed making a real and lasting difference in the lives of those who need it the most.

I have recently acquired my Master’s degree in MSc African Development from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). In addition, I hold a BSc in Sociology from Loughborough University. Both degrees have provided me a toolkit of knowledge in various themes in international development including: global health, humanitarian emergencies, poverty and conflict. I have acquired over three years’ worth of relevant experience working in the international development sector, working in programmes, fundraising and advocacy for the African Foundation for Development (AFFORD), EveryChild, Christian Aid and Thrive Africa (Ghana).

Currently at AFFORD, I assist the co-ordinator of AFFORD’s Business Centre, supporting post-Ebola development for small-medium enterprises (SMEs) and health organisations in Sierra Leone through monitoring, evaluation and learning and writing and editing of project study reports (including recommendations) to strengthen business development. I also mange AFFORD’s social media platforms (using Hootsuite) to increase AFFORD’s profile and encourage public participation in discussion. Whilst working at EveryChild in the fundraising team, I undertook duties similar to those requisite for this role, using Salesforce and an additional internal software to manage the gifts and identifying different income streams.

I am an enthusiastic, focussed and driven individual, with the ability to work competently individually and as part of a team. I also possess excellent time management skills and Microsoft Office proficiency. Due to this, coupled with my experience, I feel that One to One Children’s Fund would be an excellent location for an experienced postgraduate like myself to further develop my career within international development programmes / fundraising sector. After examining my CV, it my sincerest hope that you will consider me to be a good candidate worthy of this position. Wherever I have worked, I have been commended on my ability to communicate coherently and succinctly to a wide range of audiences. If granted this opportunity, I will be able to start with immediate effect and am willing to travel within the UK and internationally, as necessary. Therefore, it is with much hope that you consider me for the Development Officer position.

I look forward to hearing from you.

Yours sincerely,